As you know there are several substrates used in hydroponic as perlite, coco peat, rock wool, sand, ...etc. their performance varies from region to another.
According to your experience what is the best substrate used in soilless cropping system ?
We conducted an experiment to determine the optimal irrigation strategy for
drip irrigated fresh market tomato grown in different soilless culture in a glasshouse in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Volcanic ash, peat and their mixture were used as growth media. Four different irrigation levels (WL1=75%; WL2=100%; WL3=125% and WL4=150% of Class A Pan evaporation) and two watering frequencies (once and twice daily applications) were evaluated. Highest yield and fruit
number were obtained from the ash+peat mixture (1:1) with twice a day watering at WL4 irrigation level.
Most important point in soilless culture is the availability of substrate at low price.
Best regards,
Attila YAZAR
Mr. Hirich,
When a medium is used in a hydroponic system it becomes known as soilless cultivation. In my research team, we have had relative success with perlite, coconut crouton, charcoal, calcined clay gravel, and expanded clay pebbles. They all behave very differently from one another and vary in bulk density, cation exchange capacity (CEC), as well as water and air holding potential. My personal favorite for most applications is the expanded clay pebbles (Hydroton for example); in addition to having a high bulk density and a low CEC, it has adequate water holding potential and numerous pores for exceptional air space and drainage. It can also be washed and reused indefinitely, which makes up for the initial high cost. I have found that, compared to the other media I have mentioned, Hydroton provides better root oxygenation.
Best of luck in your research!
thanks dear Yazar and Joseph for your kind response.
I have also tested several substrate under greenhouse conditions in Dubai and I found that a mixture of red sand+perlite+compost recorded the highest performance compared to perlite and coco peat and furthermore being less costly
I think rockwool is the best but it has to be fully soaked in water for 48 hours before planting otherwise it will lose its properties but its price is the main constrain. a mixture of peatmose + perlite + compost works also very well.
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